Testify is your mission

Introduction

We have been given a great command from Jesus…but why is it a great command? Why should we testify? Does Jesus really have the authority to change our lives? Does Jesus really have the authority to change the people around us? When Jesus tells us something…why should we do it? These are all questions that you may have asked yourself at one point or another and today we are going to be looking at the command Jesus gave us to GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of ALL NATIONS. Now, what does that mean for us? How do we testify right now? Why should we do this? Does Jesus really have the authority to tell us what to do? So open your bibles to Matthew 28:16-20 and we are going to see the authority of Jesus and what he commands us to do.

What is Jesus’ authority?

In Chapter 1 of Matthew Jesus is shown as the legitimate heir to the throne of His father (Ancestor) David. The angel of the Lord further introduces Him as the promised Messiah who’s name would be Immanuel meaning “God with us”. What greater authority can any king have than being God in the flesh?

In Chapter 2 the authority of Jesus is demonstrated in at least two ways. First, the magi come from afar to worship Jesus as “King of the Jews”. Not only do these Gentile noblemen recognize the authority of Jesus, Herod and the people of Jerusalem also acknowledge the authority of Jesus in a different way. Herod wouldn’t set out to kill all baby boys two years or younger if he didn’t see Jesus as a real threat. Why try to kill someone whose authority does not threaten you?

In chapter 3 we see John the Baptists prophecy of the coming Christ. He was preparing others “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Then at the end of the chapter Both the Father and the Spirit testify to the authority of Jesus.

In chapter 4, Jesus rejects Satan’s offer of delegated authority over the kingdoms of the world. Satan offers Jesus something less than what is actually His “all authority in heaven AND on earth” given to him by the Father. Why would Jesus need the authority from Satan when He has it from the Father?

In Chapter 8 Jesus calms the storm, causing the disciples to marvel at His authority. Who is this person that even the winds and the sea obey him?

In chapter 9 Jesus claims the authority to forgive sins. This is disturbing to the scribes because they know that only God can forgive sins. Who is this man that claims to be God?

In Chapter 10 Jesus sent out the 12 disciples, delegating His authority to them so that they had the power to cast out unclean spirits, cure diseases, and even raise someone from the dead. “After Jesus called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.” Who is this that can heal the sick and give authority to his followers too?

In chapter 11 Jesus claims his sovereign control over the salvation of men (Matthew 11:26-27). Who is this that God has given authority for salvation?

In Chapter 12 Jesus enters into Jerusalem. He cleanses the temple and the possession of it for teaching. How can he take over the temple like this and call it His Father’s house?

In Matthew 16 Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 17 Jesus’ transfiguration are another evidence of His authority. God said “This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!”

In chapter 12 Jesus said that His resurrection would be the ultimate and final evidence or sign of His authority.

We see this in so many other places: John 10, John 19, John 20, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 1:20-21, Philippians 2:8-11, Colossians 1:15-17, Colossians 2, Hebrews 2, 1 Peter 3, Revelation 12:10-11, etc.

In all of these different places we see the absolute authority of Jesus over all of the earth and all of heaven. And matthew ends his Gospel with Christ’s claim to absolute authority, as the base line of the Great Commission. We

Our Motivation

Having authority means having the power to carry out what we purpose to do. When Jesus claimed all authority, He was implying what He states elsewhere-that He will give His disciples the power to carry out the Great Commission: Check Luke 9:1, Luke 24:45-49, Acts 1:4, John 16:8-11, 2 Timothy 3:5

2 Corinthians 3:10-13

10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.

Our Message

If Christ is sovereign over all and has full authority in heaven and on earth, then who would we point people to other than to Him? Our message should be Christ, crucified, buried, raised, and elevated to a position of unchallenged, unlimited power and authority.

1 Corinthians 1:23 “But we preach about a crucified Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”

Our Methods

Conclusion

Since Jesus has authority, we can have boldness and power knowing that we will get the job done that He has set before us.

We shouldn’t feel incompetent when we have the Holy Spirit living and working in and through us.

Our motivation is based off of the who Jesus is and what he possesses. Since he is Lord over all, we can’t be stopped.

Our Message is that of Jesus and what he has done and what He desires to do in the lives of others around us and in our own lives.

Our methods are through our lives and through our words.